Tech

‘X’: Trustworthy or Worth Trusting?

Published

2 weeks ago

June 18, 2024

In today’s turmoil and perpetual chaos, physical newspapers have become redundant, and people prefer on-the-go news online. In the wake of this, people now resort to social media, specifically relying on X (formerly Twitter) to get the latest news updates, say some new sturies.

‘X,’ now a news platform?

Several studies have been published regarding the various ways people use social media. Be it sharing a part of their lives online or sharing funny content they find. Furthermore, right up to their distinct opinions on the news they read online. Elon Musk’s X is a platform that people are now resorting to for news updates. Musk, a prominent figure in the tech industry, has often criticized mainstream news platforms. Besides, claiming that they provide an untrue and biased outlook most of the time. His influence and the potential conflicts of interest that arise from his role as both a news consumer. Moreover, a news producer raise questions about the credibility of ‘X’ as a news platform.

“Community Notes”: A medium to combat misinformation?

In July 2023, he renamed his popular platform from ‘Twitter’ to ‘X’ and sought to convert it into a reliable news resource. X has launched a ‘Community Notes’ section that aims to create an informed world by empowering people on X. However, to add context to potentially misleading posts online collaboratively. Here’s how it works: if many contributors leave notes (either positive or negative) on a particular post, then X flags that note publicly.

However, it’s important to note that this is a transparent and open process, and the ‘Community Notes’ algorithm is available to all via GitHub, along with the data required to power it so that it’s accessible for anyone to audit, analyze, or suggest improvements. While this is a significant step on X’s part to combat and end the spread of misinformation, it’s not foolproof. A note can only be flagged if there’s a consensus, which is not always possible, leaving room for potential misinformation to slip through.

Another public stunt to gain trust?

Although X has been trying to promote itself as a resource for online news content, research has proven that ‘Community Notes’ isn’t adequate to put an end to misinformation, mainly because a consensus is required for a note to flag in the first place, which is not going to be possible most of the time. Here, the question arises that if ‘Community Notes’ is presented as a solution by X. Furthermore, then they have the upper hand in validating the claims they choose to propagate. Would Musk’s posts get a Community Note when something he says is incorrect? By reframing X as a news source, they have better control over media narratives. However, it’s also worth noting that X’s transparency and open process. Moreover, along with the availability of the ‘Community Notes’ algorithm and data. However, are commendable steps towards combating misinformation.

In the wake of this, Pew Research recently published an overview of how people use social media to access news online, and the results speak for themselves.

Meta’s Threads has also tried entering this territory. The difference is that they steer away from politics in an effort to build a positive experience for the user. That’s the main reason it’s lost a lot of audience that it could have gained otherwise, making it less sought after. Thus, even though they provide entertainment and sports-related news. Moreover, with political stories taking a backseat, it has left X as a source that people run to now. This shift in audience preference could have significant implications for the media landscape. Furthermore, as it suggests a growing demand for news platforms that offer a more personalized and interactive news experience.

Influencers now correspondents?

Pews’ survey highlighted the various sources through which U.S. consumers get their news. However, in an alarming turn of events, influencers or celebrities and the news media ranked equally as news sources. This is a significant shift in the news consumption landscape. Further, with influencers gaining credibility and influence in the realm of news. Besides, influencers were more likely to be cited as sources for news and information rather than actual news media. This trend raises concerns about the reliability and accuracy of the news shared by influencers. Moreover, as they may not have the same level of fact-checking and journalistic standards as traditional news media.

Influencers: Fame, Fake or Fluke?

It’s disheartening to see how easily people believe everything they see online instead of basing their trust on empirical evidence or a reliable source. The visible switch and evolution that news media has seen in India. Besides, leaves you questioning who and what you can or cannot trust. Moreover, With people scrolling away on social media for hours, people seem easily susceptible to relying on less researched. Besides, less factual, and sometimes even unreliable sources of news and information.

Although efforts are being made by some vigilant influencers who voice their concerns and try to educate their audience. Furthermore, it seems like a long haul but a much-needed one! In this context, it’s crucial for individuals to develop critical thinking skills. However, to verify the information they come across on social media before accepting it as true. This can be done by cross-checking with multiple sources, fact-checking organizations, or consulting trusted news outlets.

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Kaztro – The Kerala Gamer Snapped Up by S8UL

Published

9 hours ago

July 2, 2024

Muskaan Valecha

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Muhammed Ramees MP, popularly known as @ig.kaztrogaming, has joined S8UL, the leading esports organization in India. Kaztro, who hails from Kerala, uploads gaming videos and livestreams related to BGMI and PC gaming.

On YouTube, Kaztro has 1.43 million subscribers and engaging content filled with 1.5K videos; his content is based on BGMI, GTA Roleplay and PC Gaming. Kaztro’s second channel – Kaztro Vlogs presents multifaced content to his 859K subscribers who wait for a glimpse of Kaztro’s life. Kaztro’s reach into the gaming world has brought him into a tremendous presence at gaming events and a prominent position as an influencer in the esports world.

Kaztro is an example of a “nothing-to-star gamer” in the gaming industry. Multitasking in academics, ethical hacking, and creating a career in the era of influencers. However, he began his gaming journey on YouTube on March 19, 2020. Furthermore, when his channel changed from a tech channel to a gaming channel. He started his gaming setup in a hostel and has had a significant shift in his career.

Extending the “Nothing to Star Gamer” Narrative:

Video Series: “From Hostel Setup to Esports Stardom: My Gaming Journey” – A multi-part series detailing Kaztro’s initial challenges, setting up a gaming space in a hostel, and his rise to influencer status.
Livestream Q&A: “Balancing Act: Academics, Ethical Hacking, and Gaming” – Host a live session where Kaztro talks about managing his various pursuits and offers advice to aspiring gamers juggling multiple passions.

Highlighting Kaztro’s BGMI and PC Gaming Expertise:

Advanced BGMI Tutorials: Create in-depth guides on specific BGMI topics like weapon mastery, strategic map breakdowns, or character optimization for different playstyles.
PC Game Showcases: Feature new and trending PC games with Kaztro’s first impressions, gameplay walkthroughs, and tips for beginners.

Expanding Kaztro’s Vlogs Channel:

Esports Event Vlogs: Document Kaztro’s experiences at gaming events, offering behind-the-scenes glimpses and interviews with other players and personalities.
“A Day in the Life” Vlog: Take viewers through a typical day in Kaztro’s life. Moreover, showcasing his routine, content creation process. However, he maintains a balance between gaming and other commitments.

Here is a gaming video by Kaztro:

Tech

Women Tech Influencers Are Reshaping the Narrative in India

Published

1 day ago

July 1, 2024

Muskaan Valecha

Top Women Tech Influencers Shaping the Future Of Innovation - The Reelstars

Women tech influencers in India are are a nascent but growing breed. They command a loyal following for their deft unboxing, insightful reviews and engaging videos. Here are some women tech influencers who we think you should follow!

Tech trends by tech-savvy women

Kiran Nagar @techykiran

Instagram Followers: 60.9K

Youtube Followers: 778K

Kiran Nagar is from Kota, Rajasthan. She completed her B.Tech in Electrical Engineering and was placed in a company in Ludhiana. After switching jobs, she is now based in Delhi, creating compelling content.

Techy Kiran, hailing from Kota, Rajasthan, is your go-to for the latest mobile phones, laptops, cameras, and more trends. Her mission is to share her tech knowledge with her Indian audience. And she achieves this by creating content in Hindi. Her unboxing, reviews, and phone comparisons are what have her fans hooked to her content.

Here is her tech update:

Nitasha Singh @thenutrigurl

Instagram Followers: 65.6K

Youtube Followers: 1.5M

Nitasha Singh creates diverse content, from mobile unboxing to comparison reviews of television sets. Her video quality is top-notch, with minimalistic, smooth transition edits. Her videos are shot in Hindi, and the YouTube thumbnail pictures are outdoor shoots. However, Her videos on YouTube get a viewership between 30K and 60K on average. Her most viewed video was for the Samsung S22+ which received 85K views.

Here is her most viewed video:

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A post shared by Nitasha Singh (@thenutrigurl)

Pratima Adhikari @gadgetbyte

Instagram Followers: 99.9K

YouTube Followers: 682K

Pratima Adhikari is a reviewer and co-founder of Gadget Byte on YouTube, with an average viewership of 100K to 200K. She creates content in English. Her Windows shortcuts reel on Instagram fetched her an eye-watering 855K plays. As per her handle, Gadget Byte is a tech review news portal providing information, tools, and advice to help you gain efficient knowledge about technology. So far, she has posted 974 videos, and her YouTube channel’s average viewership is 88,458,422.

Here is her latest update:

Tech

Get Ready to Snap with AI: Snapchat Unleashes Powerful New Tools

Published

2 weeks ago

June 20, 2024

Anusuya Mazumder

snapchat ai announcement - the reelstars

Calling all creators and imagination enthusiasts! Hold onto your filters because Snapchat just unleashed a major AI update!

This isn’t just a filter tweak – it’s an AI revolution. Besides, Lens Studio 5.0 introduces an on-device AI model that transforms your wildest AR dreams into reality. Simply describe your vision, and Snapchat’s AI will conjure it up in real-time. Imagine lush jungles replacing your living room or spaceships hovering in your backyard – the possibilities are endless. Besides, And thanks to intelligent AI that adjusts lighting and color seamlessly, the transitions are flawless.

But the magic doesn’t stop there. Creators are in for a treat with a suite of powerful AI tools designed to supercharge their AR creations:

AI-powered Face Effects:

Gone are the days of limited filters. Now, create face effects based on anything you can imagine – a simple text prompt or even an uploaded image. Morph users into fantastical creatures or their favorite characters – the power is in your hands (or rather, your imagination).

Immersive ML:

Take AR experiences to a whole new level! Moreover, This AI tool applies realistic transformations not just to faces. Furthermore, but also to users’ bodies and surroundings – all happening in real-time.

AI Assistant for 3D Modeling:

3D modeling just got easier! This AI assistant streamlines the process, making it simpler than ever to bring your 3D visions to life.

But that’s not all! The update boasts a range of additional AI features:

Generate 3D assets based on prompts
Create custom face masks and textures
Design 3D character heads that mimic user expressions

With this update, Snapchat puts the power of AI directly in the hands of users and creators. The future of AR is here, and it’s fueled by imagination and the magic of artificial intelligence. However, Get ready to unleash your creativity and explore a world where anything is possible with a single snap!